HOW TO SPEND 7 DAYS IN TUSCANY – ITINERARY

BEST ITINERARY FOR TUSCANY IN 7 DAYS

Are you planning your 7 days in Tuscany itinerary? Then this post is for you. Here you will find out how to spend an epic one week in Tuscany, Italy along with many travel tips for your trip.

Tuscany is a place of rolling hills, beautiful medieval towns, and villages that often sit on top of hills and thus come with great views. The region is known for its vineyards and great wines, and then there are the villas at the end of cypress-lined lanes. 

But, of course, it is also known as the Renaissance’s birthplace and was home to geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. There is so much to do and see. After spending more than one week in Tuscany myself, I finally saw with my own eyes what all the fuss was about! And I want to share my favorite places and travel tips with you.

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TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR TUSCANY ITINERARY

Let´s start with the travel tips before discussing your itinerary.

How to Get Around Tuscany in a Week

Many places in Tuscany are very well-connected! It is easy to get around by public transportation or car. I used public transportation whenever I headed to the main places (like Florence or Pisa) and drove for the rest of the time. Both ways have their perks. 

Tuscany Road Trip Tips For 7 Days

Driving in Tuscany was fine – most of the time. I cannot deny that I will probably never get used to the way Italians drive, but in general, it was good. 

• Especially driving through the vineyards in Val d’Orcia was so much fun! The scenery was top-notch!
• The roads might not always be perfectly paved and modern, but it should not be a big problem for an experienced driver. Also, roads can be extremely narrow, and that is why I seriously advise choosing a small car.
• In most towns, villages, and cities you are not allowed to drive if you do have not a special permit. So, even if there are no barriers, you are not allowed to drive. Keep an eye out for a sign – about whether you are only allowed to drive there with this special permit.
• Also, I figured out that I should avoid busy hours. It can be crazy driving in and near main places from 7-9 am and 5-7 pm. It saved me time and stress not driving at these times.
• Do not let the Italian drivers make you nervous. Do not speed unnecessarily (there are many speed cams around).
• There are some toll highways in Tuscany, but I only drove them to Tuscany from Liguria. In general, most of the roads here are toll-free. Even some “autostrada” (motorways) are free (they are generally not in great condition).
• Parking can be really costly and can eat into your budget over time. With some prior research, you might find free parking spots, but most of the time, I had to pay around 1-2.50€ for an hour near the old towns of Lucca and Siena.
• And do not get me started on Italy‘s gas prices – the highest I have ever seen in Europe. One liter of gas costs up to 1.85€.
• Oh, and be prepared for an abundance of roundabouts in Tuscany. If you have not gotten used to them, recheck the rules, as I find the roundabouts in Italy a bit busy at times.

Public Transportation

I am probably not the first one to openly declare my affection for public transportation in Tuscany. The train rides, in particular, became a nice way of getting around. If I had to choose one way of getting around in Italy, it would be train travel.

• It is quite affordable and reliable (yes, my trains always ran a few minutes late, but I considered this tolerable).
• However, getting to smaller towns and villages without a train station is a bit trickier.
• So, when you have a train station close to your accommodation – great. Then you can do some trips by public transportation. If there is none, then bus transport is fine, too, but when it comes to schedules, it is not always clear.
• TIP: Always, always validate your ticket. Even if you buy your ticket at the ticket counter for the next train/bus, you need to validate it at one of the little machines at the station for trains and in the bus for bus rides.

OVERVIEW OF PLACES TO VISIT IN TUSCANY

Here are the best places to visit in beautiful, beautiful Tuscany. I talk about all the places more in detail, but this overview might help you to get a better idea first. You could do a loop – and start and end your trip in Florence.

• Florence – 2 days
• Lucca and Pisa – 1 day
• Volterra and San Gimignano – 1 day
• Val D´Orcia (incl. Montepulciano) – 1 day
• Siena – 1 day
• Arezzo – 0,5 day + return to Florence

PLACES TO VISIT IN 7 DAYS IN TUSCANY

So, let´s go. 

Florence – 2 Days

• If you are in Tuscany for one week, I recommend staying in Florence for 2 days, because there are so many places to visit and things to do. 

Florence is just one of the best places to visit in Italy. You seriously have to add it to your Tuscany itinerary. This city is one of my favorites in all of Europe! It won my heart within minutes – it is just soooo pretty!

Florence is home to some of the most renowned art and architecture in history. The city’s focal point, its Duomo (cathedral), is widely considered a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture. Other monuments, such as the Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) and Palazzo Vecchio (old palace), are must-sees.

The city also boasts stunning galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, as well as beautiful churches and other attractions – Florence is an important cultural center for Italy and the world.  

And even if you are not the typical art fan (believe me, I am not), Florence is different. While Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci still play a crucial role in the city today, there is so much more to do and see. 

You can do a few things for free in Florence, but several fantastic museums and churches need a ticket reservation in advance if you don’t want to spend hours in line. There is no country in the world where skip-the-line tickets make more sense than in Italy from April to October.

Things to Do and See in Florence

• Uffizi Gallery – find the original statue of David by Michelangelo. Skip-the-line tickets are essential. 
• Cross the Ponte Vecchio Bridge – this medieval bridge is 312 meters long and houses some small shops. It dates back to the 14th century.
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – oh, what a lady! This stunning cathedral is a beauty. You surely will be impressed by its sheer size. If you want to visit the inside book your ticket in advance.
• Piazza Della Signoria – this lively square is fun and busy. You will also find a replica of the David Statue and many more art pieces. 
• The views from Piazzale Michelangelo are priceless. It takes a 10-15 minute uphill hike (not too steep, though), and from there, you have great views and can enjoy the Florentine skyline for free (also great for enjoying the sunset).
• Pitti Palace – once the Medici family’s home, it is now a Renaissance Palace that houses incredible art pieces. Plan in 3-5 hours for this place and buy tickets in advance.
• The Boboli Garden – located right behind the Pitti Palace, you can stroll this gigantic garden for several hours without getting bored (get a combined ticket for Pitti Palace, Boboli Garden, and more).
• Here is a more detailed Florence guide for you!

If you make Florence your base for your whole Tuscany trip, then check out the best day trips to take from there.

Where to Stay in Florence

Lucca and Pisa – 1 Day

For this day, we have two towns on your itinerary.

• From Florence, you can easily get to Lucca and Pisa via train or car.

LUCCA

Lucca is a popular, though not overly crowded, town between Florence and Pisa.

Famous for its perfectly intact Renaissance-era walls, Lucca is a charming and historical city. The old town of Lucca is filled with cobbled streets, churches, and town squares surrounded by walls.

There is plenty to explore within the old town from great restaurants to local boutiques. One of Lucca’s main attractions is the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a stunning oval square located within the old walls. 

• It is just a 30-minute drive (or train ride) from Pisa.
• While it seems like there is much more to see in Lucca than in Pisa, Lucca is very walkable. Despite the number of attractions, you can see all these places in half a day. 

Things to do in Lucca

You can walk the huge Renaissance walls that offer nice views and are a good place to rest. Seriously, I have never seen such big city walls. From there, you can make your way to the historic city center and visit other main attractions.

• The Duomo di San Martino (entry about 3€, which was nice, but you can skip it if you’re on a budget). You can climb the tower there. The views are not as great as from the other tower. However, if you are in the mood to climb towers and don’t mind paying another 3€, this is a good place to enjoy the views. 
• Then there is the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro with its many cafes and restaurants.
• Climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower. It has centuries-old trees at the very top; climbing the 270 steps will cost you about 4€.
• Visit the St. Michael’s Church (Chiesa di San Michele) with its unique exterior.
• Visit the Basilica of San Frediano 
• If you enjoy guided walking tours, check out this affordable Lucca walking tour.

PISA

Combine the trip to Lucca with one of the most famous Italian cities – Pisa.

The city’s main attraction is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is an impressive feat of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – but it is a bit more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Other monuments, such as the Baptistery and Cathedral of Pisa, are also must-sees for any visitor.

There are also several museums, such as the National Museum of San Matteo and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

Pisa is a charming little town. Initially, I planned to stay one whole day in Pisa, but I figured out that half a day is really enough!

Things to Do and See in Pisa

And like Florence, Pisa is busy. At least, it is busy around the Leaning Tower, not so much in other areas.

• Visit the Piazza del Duomo, where you have the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is a 14th-century tower that is probably the most famous tilted building in the world. Skip-the-lines tickets are a must if you do not want to spend a lot of time in line.
• But there is also the impressive Pisa Cathedral, the baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale (a cemetery). The Duomo is free to visit, but you need to get a ticket center ticket (which is well signed).
• If you want to climb the Leaning Tower or visit the baptistery or the Camposanto, you need to buy tickets. If you don’t buy skip-the-line tickets in advance, you might have to stand in line forever or not even get a ticket at all.
• Stroll the Arno River (which is such a tranquil place after the busy Piazza del Duomo) and visit the Santa Maria Della Spina – a tiny church with a unique gothic exterior.
• On your way to the Santa Maria Della Spina, you should visit the Palazzo della Carovana at Knights’ Square. 
• Check out my Pisa itinerary to find out more.

WHERE TO STAY IN PISA

In case you want to stay overnight, here are some well-rated accommodations:

This luxury hotel is rated one of Pisa’s best ones. Find out more about the Pisa Tower Plaza.

This B&B is surely no budget-friendly place, but its location is amazing. Check out rates for the B&B 7 Rooms.

Volterra and San Gimignano – 1 Day

Here are two stunning villages to visit: Volterra and then San Gimignano. Whether you road trip or not – I think, one day for visiting both places should be fine. Driving to Volterra and then to San Gimignano was one of my best driving experiences: great views and nice roads. However, these are mountain roads and they are narrow – and it might not be everyone´s cup of tea. 

Volterra

Volterra is a walled mountaintop town southwest of Florence. The city has a long and eventful history, having been a prominent Etruscan settlement in the 4th century BC.

Volterra has retained much of its ancient architecture, including its Roman theatre, the Porta all’Arco, and the Piazza dei Priori. The city also boasts some medieval churches and towers. You will also find Italy’s most impressive archaeological museum, which houses artifacts from the city’s Etruscan, Roman, and medieval past.

I visited Volterra on a rainy day, and despite the weather, it still charmed me.  

Since it is a hilltop village, it comes with great views – but you also have cute streets, and even cuter doors and houses.

Things to Do and See in Volterra

• Explore Piazza dei Priori  – The piazza is located in the center of the town. You will also find the Palazzo dei Priori (city hall), the Council Chamber, and the bell tower (both open to the public) there.
• Stroll Piazza San Giovanni, where you will also find the Cathedral and the Baptistery
• Walk the Etruscan Gate – built in the 4th century – that is close to the Piazza San Giovanni. 
• Visit the Etruscan Acropolis, which is located within the Archeological Park. 
• Enjoy the views!

San Gimignano

From Volterra head to San Gimignano – this place is surely not a hidden gem. This small-walled medieval town near Volterra is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Tuscany. 

Famous for its 14th-century towers, San Gimignano has long been known as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. The city is home to numerous churches, monasteries, and towers which are sure to impress any visitor. The Torre Grossa is the city’s most recognizable landmark and is one of the tallest surviving towers in Italy.

Encircled by 13th-century walls, the town center is a triangular square lined with pretty medieval houses and its skyline is one of a kind.

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It gets busy, especially in the summer. However, San Gimignano holds a few great attractions that make it worth a visit and I enjoyed exploring the town in half a day.

Things to Do and See in San Gimignano

• Climb Torre Grossa – The tower stands at 54 meters and dates back to the 13th century. The admission fee is about 5€, but the view is probably well worth it (I visited on a rainy day, so I skipped it).
• Check out Porta San Giovanni – The door was finished in the 13th century and is a highlight of the town.
• Piazza del Duomo – The heart of San Gimignano also houses the cathedral, the Palazzo del Podesta, the Palazzo del Popolo, and more.
• There are also guided tours that will show you both towns in one day.

Val d’Orcia (incl. Montepulciano) & Wine Tasting – 1 Day

South of Siena and Florence is one of the most beautiful sceneries, and you will see the Tuscan countryside at its best!

It is famous for its rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque villages. Val D’Orcia is a popular destination, offering a wide range of attractions and activities. Explore numerous castles, visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and enjoy spa treatments in the renowned thermal baths.

But of course, it is also about its red wines. While I, personally, don’t drink wine, I KNOW it is still a great place for wine tasting.

The views. The drive. The roads. This was a fun day driving and enjoying the panoramas from your window views.

The lush, green hills and yellow fields in between (and in the summer, you can expect red poppies and fields of sunflowers) make it one of the most beautiful places in Tuscany.

One of my favorite towns was the hilltop village of Montepulciano. Spend a few hours there, and if you have time left (I wish that I had), then visit Montalcino or Pienza as well.

Here are some tours that include wine tasting that I have found online – because some people just come to Tuscany for food and wine.

• Val D´Orcia – Wine and Cheese Tasting Tour – from Florence
• Pienza, and Montepulciano – Check out this full-day wine tour.

Siena – 1 Day

Now let´s talk about Siena – a city that sits over three hills. It is a perfectly preserved medieval town and a shrine to Gothic architecture. There is an impressively maintained historic center that’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a magnificent shell-shaped square.

Siena also boasts numerous churches and palaces, including the Cathedral of Sienna, which is the city’s most iconic landmark. Additionally, explore the Civic Museum and enjoy shopping in the quaint boutiques and artisan workshops.

The huge Piazza del Campo is the heart of the city and where most of its important events have been held ever since.

Twice a year, on July 2 and August 16, a famous horse race takes place here. Then it gets busy – also, animal fans might not want to attend this kind of cruel event. But most of the time, it is a nice and lively square where you can enjoy the Dolce Vita.

Things to do and See in Siena

• Visit the impressive Duomo di Siena, a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with mosaics – the exterior looks a bit pinkish. 
• Climb the 400 steps of the Tower of Mangia, which is located on the Piazza del Campo. It was closed at the time of my visit but is supposed to offer some of the best views in Tuscany.
• Admire the Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall building in Gothic style located on the Piazza del Campo.
• Stroll the old town and be ready to find some cute houses around every turn.

If you have less than 5 days in Tuscany, check out this organized tour that allows you to see several towns in Tuscany – including Siena.

Where to Stay in Siena

I stayed at a charming little hotel with amazing views. The design is unique, and it is located just outside of the city walls. I could not have asked for more value for money. Find out more about Hotel Santa Caterina in Siena here.

Arezzo – 0,5 Day

For this day, you can visit a little town east of Florence and then drive back to Florence.

Arezzo

Arezzo is a town in eastern Tuscany and has become one of my favorite towns in Tuscany.

It is known for its art and culture and is home to numerous attractions such as the Piazza Grande, a grand square that is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Arezzo is also home to several impressive churches, including the Gothic-style Cathedral of San Donato and the Romanesque Church of San Francesco.

I was a bit exhausted and forgot what the town was about due to a lack of research. I expected another hilltop village and was surprised that it wasn’t a typical medieval town in Tuscany. The town square is indeed uphill, but not all of the town – just some parts. 

Also, I was spoiled with great weather, and I fell in love almost immediately. So, if you are 7 days in Tuscany, make visiting this small town a priority.

Things to Do and See in Arezzo 

• Visit the Piazza Grande – the market square is home to several beautiful buildings, cafes, and restaurants. 
• Visit the Arezzo Cathedral 
• Stroll the Fortezza Medicea 
• Visit the museum of the Fraternity dei Laici (located directly on the Piazza Grande, and for only 3€, you will also get access to the panoramic terrace)
• Fancy a cooking class in Italy? In Arezzo, you can take a cooking class at a local´s home.

Then it might be time to drive back to Florence. Florence is about 80km away which should take a bit more than one hour (by car or train).

BOOK TOURS FOR YOUR TUSCANY TRIP

FINAL THOUGHTS ON PLANNING YOUR 7-DAY TUSCANY ITINERARY

Tuscany is surely one of the most beautiful regions in Europe, if not in all of the world. The landscapes and the fantastic cities, villages, and towns make it a perfect place to discover.

I want to be honest though: Sometimes I felt like I had visited a village already as some towns and villages are “similar,” and the scenery did not always dramatically change. However, it was a great experience. Tuscany is amazing!

7 days in Tuscany is a good amount to spend here, but even 10 days in Tuscany will be fun without getting bored.

While I did not do my trip according to this Tuscany itinerary, this is how I would do it now, now that I know better.  However, even if you change the route or some places, this post hopefully has helped you create your perfect 7 days in Tuscany itinerary.